STI Holdings breaks ground on network of tower lines to reinforce electricity reliability in SL

Ground-breaking ceremony led by Minister Dallas Alahapperuma and officials

St. Theresa Industries (STI) Holdings, a leading manufacturer of steel fabrication and accessories used for power generation, transmission and distribution in Sri Lanka, has broken ground on the construction of the first of a series of tower lines and gantry structures spread across the island in a concerted attempt to improve the supply and reliability of electricity across the country. 

This initiative is driven by the ministry of Power, Energy and Business Development, and operationally directed by the Ceylon Electricity Board. STI Holdings is the appointed local representative for Chinese construction company, Qingdao Huijintong Power Equipment (HTJ) – the main contractor named in the deal. 

Beginning from Maho, STI Holdings utilises state-of-the-art technology for the development of the network intended to improve Medium Voltage network efficiency and provide system capacity to help prepare for load growth across 12 districts in Sri Lanka. Funded by the Asian Development Bank, the mammoth project will see the development of over 300 KM of 33 kV Double Circuit Tower lines and 13 two section, single bus bar gantries of 5MBA. The inaugurating ceremony took place on 27 January 2021 in Maho.

“The Electricity Reliability Improvement Project marks a significant milestone in the energy sector of our country. It will uplift the demand, distribution and reliability of electricity in all parts of Sri Lanka, aiding rural and suburban growth by further strengthening and solidifying the infrastructure required to do so. The project will also bolster the CEB’s ability to cater to not just domestic demand but industrial as well, and contribute indirectly to embolden and uplift the local economy, while also being considerate of preserving the environment in its pursuit of enabling equitable access to electricity across all parts of the island,” STI Holdings Group CEO Madushanka Fernando stated. 

The Electricity Reliability Improvement Project directed by the Ceylon Electricity Board aims to improve the quality and reliability of electricity across all parts of the island, while also boosting its ability to serve both domestic and industrial demand. This contributes an additional 65 MBA distribution points to the country’s network, and does so in a noteworthy, eco-friendly manner.

Installation of the tower lines will take place in Puttalam, Keeriyankalliya, Mallawapitiya, Rathmalgoda, Maho, Maeliya, Wimalasurendra, Maskeliya, Ampara, Uhana, Kappalthurai, Irakkandy, Kumburupitiya, Tawalantenna, Kegalle, Badulla, Ella, Mahiyanganaya, Bibile, Rathnapura, Monaragala, Wellawaya, Warukandeniya, Morawaka, Elpitiya, Mattaka, Matara, and Yakabedda. 

With a mission of empowering the lifeblood of the nation, STI Holdings has come a long way in its journey of 45 years to being the one-stop solution for all turn-key engineering projects in Sri Lanka. They’ve catered to a vast number of significant projects in recent times, locally as well as globally, including ‘Uva Udanaya,’ ‘Uthuru Wasanthaya’ and even rural electrification in Sri Lanka and Uganda. 

Qingdao Huijintong Power Equipment Co. Ltd. (HJT) is a professional manufacturer of various galvanised and painted steel structures including lattice steel towers, steel poles, steel tubular towers, substation structures, microwave communication towers, electrified railway structures, wind power generation equipment, photovoltaic power generation equipment, etc. used for 1100kV UHV and below voltage levels of transmission lines.

STI Holdings operates in the transmission and distribution of electrical power, solar power, hybrid solar, construction, electrification, steel fabrication, and telecommunication industries. Ventured in 1973 with a very humble beginning, STI Holdings has embraced innovation to build a true Sri Lankan powerhouse in the spheres of power generation and manufacturing industrial steel products for power transmission with state-of-the-art facilities. Being the only private transmission tower manufacturer in Sri Lanka, St. Theresa Industries has covered 98% of power distribution in Sri Lanka through their efforts. 

STI Holdings consists of five subsidiary companies, which are St. Theresa Industries, St. Theresa Industries Kenya, Samudra Lanka, STI projects and SINO - STI Corporation. Each company contributes to the GDP of Sri Lanka in a massive way through various social and economic contributions.